Building technological capability by latecomer firms in developing countries: a process perspective

This paper tries to explore the technological capability development process by latecomer firms, especially those in big emerging countries. Based on the insights summarized from the case study of China´s telecommunications manufacturing sector, we can see how the latecomer firms can penetrate the technical cycle and gradually cultivate their own technological capability in the local market. Four continuous inter-linked capability building strategic processes have been mapped. This process model has the advantages to integrate strategic process thinking and actual operations of the latecomer firms facing the global competition. Finally, a research program to test the model is proposed.